* Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi - Kohanga Reo movement pioneer, including 13 years as chief executive of Te Kohanga reo National Trust Board. Has served on a number of government advisory groups and working parties.

* John Morris - Former principal of Auckland Grammar and Takapuna Grammar for 22 years. Currently on the board of Education NZ.

* Dr Margaret Southwick - a member of the charter schools working group, former dean of Whitirea Community Polytechnic's Faculty of Health and director of the Pacific Health Research Centre.

* Tahu Potiki - experience includes five years as the chief executive of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and four years in the senior executive position at Christchurch Polytechnic. Currently independent chairman and governance adviser for the Otago Whanau Ora Maori Provider Collective.

* Terry Bates - chief executive of Cognition Education, has a background in public sector education.